Normally I'm a fly rod builder, but am building spinning rods (one pink the other purple) for my two young grand daughters for Christmas. 5' 6," 2-4 lb, 1/16-1/4 oz lures (Mudhole). Quick question ... what are the guidelines re. placement of the first butt guide? Or which issue(s) of RM discusses this?

Thanks

Wayne

Think I just answered my own question by checking out the Library and the New Guide Concept Primer listing.

Wayne,
It is a variable, depending on the rod, but most of the spinning rods that I build have the first rod at a distance of about 17 to 24 inches from the reel.

Take care
Roger

Roger is right. We usuaklly start with an 18" space from the reel face and work our layout from there. But often, after we see how the laytout is progressing, we will have to move the stripper, maybe back to `17" or maybe up the rod a bit. We usually do this in 1/3" increments, adjusting the rest of the layout accordingly. It can be a bit of extra work but it pays off when you get it right.

Anything anyone says in this regard should be taken strictly as a suggestion for a starting point. There are no useful formulas for this.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

Wayne,
After you get all the "specifications" in order....just remember, these are "kids" rods. Don't know the ages you are talking about but do not use cheap stuff. . They need to be built for abuse. I built three rods for my grandkids 6 years ago. All still work after smacking wild animals, clearing brush out of the path, a sword fight with a "really" large wasp and an attempt at the world record for the most number of leaves sliced off and into the water in 30 seconds. Nothing worse than a grandchild coming up to you with tears in the eyes saying "Somehow...this got broken" ..... with Mom and Dad in tow, of course, demanding to know the exact details (from the grandchild) on how it happened. Have fun.

Bill Swift



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/26/2008 12:02AM by Tom Kirkman.